Ueno Tōshō-gū is a historic Shinto shrine located in Ueno Park, Taitō Ward, Tokyo. Established in 1627, it enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Edo shogunate (revered as Tōshō Daigongen). In addition to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shrine also honors Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
As one of many Tōshō-gū shrines throughout Japan, Ueno Tōshō-gū is widely revered for its divine blessings in career success, victory, and health and longevity. Its architectural features such as the Golden Hall, Karamon gate, and Sukibei walls hold great historical value and are exemplary of early Edo-period architecture. These structures have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, having survived wars and natural disasters—making their preservation particularly significant.
The origin of the shrine dates back to 1616, the year of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s death. The monk Tenkai and lord Tōdō Takatora, following Ieyasu’s dying wishes, established Kan’ei-ji Temple in the area that is now Ueno Park. In 1627, they constructed the “Tōshōsha” within the temple grounds, which became the predecessor of Ueno Tōshō-gū. In 1646, the imperial court officially granted the name “Tōshō-gū,” establishing its present status.
In 1651, the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu undertook a large-scale reconstruction, modeling the shrine after Nikkō Tōshō-gū and building the lavishly decorated Golden Hall. Daimyōs from across the country donated stone lanterns for the project, and today approximately 250 lanterns can still be seen surrounding the shrine, forming a unique historic landscape.
Although much of Kan’ei-ji was destroyed during the Battle of Ueno at the end of the Edo period, the shrine miraculously survived. It also withstood the Great Kantō Earthquake and the Tokyo air raids during World War II, and the Golden Hall remains standing—seen as a symbol of divine protection and a historical miracle.
Today, Ueno Tōshō-gū is not only a religious site but also a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. In spring, peonies and cherry blossoms bloom; in autumn, colorful foliage abounds; and in winter, the shrine hosts exhibitions of winter peonies and New Year’s visits, attracting numerous worshippers and flower-viewing guests.
